Philippe Saint-Andre praised the professionalism of his side after Sale claimed a bonus-point victory over Montauban.
Departing director hails European triumph
Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre praised the professionalism of his side after they claimed a bonus-point victory over Montauban to climb to the top of Pool One in the Heineken Cup.
Sharks skipper Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe scored in the fifth and 23rd minutes before Andy Tuilagi, Eifion Roberts and David Tait added second-half touchdowns to ensure a turbulent week at Edgeley Park ended on a high note.
Saint-Andre announced on Thursday he is to quit the club at the end of the season after five years in charge.
He is poised to return to his native France and has several suitors, most notably Toulon, but his dream to bow out as a European champion with Sale remains alive after a comfortbale win.
The Sharks head to Montauban for the return fixture next Saturday and Saint-Andre beamed: "We won, scored five tries and played some good rugby.
Very honest
"We are still in the competition but next week at Montauban will be a different story.
"There would have been no excuses tonight because the news of my announcement did not affect how they played on the pitch."
Sale have already decided that Kingsley Jones will take over as director of rugby in May. Saint-Andre and Jones have worked together for the last four years and guided the club to the Premiership title in May 2006.
Speaking about his decision to quit the club, Saint-Andre told
Sky Sports News: "I don't have a clue what I will do, if I will coach if I will take one year off.
"I need to speak with my family, with my wife but i've though a lot about this over the last three months.
"I've spoke with (owner) Brian Kennedy, with the board and I think it's good timing for everybody.
"We've had five fabulous years but it's not a time to say thank you yet because I will be here until the last game of the season."
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However, Saint-Andre pointed an accusing finger at Sale's stay-away fans after just 6,962 turned up for the match.
"I was disappointed with the crowd tonight," said the Frenchman. "The guys deserved more than for such a big Heineken Cup game."
Fly-half Charlie Hodgson converted four of his side's five tries and also claimed a penalty in an impressive all-round display.
Montauban's hopes of qualifying are over after they fell to a third straight defeat but coach Laurent Travers said he was content with his side's efforts.
The visitors' only points came from a penalty and a drop-goal by fly-half Cedric Rosalen, but Travers said: "We conceded five tries but I'm proud of the players.
"They were up against a top team from what is a very strong Guinness Premiership.
"Next week we will play a different team and will be going all out to get the win."
